Hunt for firebugs

Arsonists are believed responsible for last week’s bush fires in Bertram, Parmelia and Hillman.

The first fire started at 1.32pm on Thursday near Parmelia and Challenger avenues and another started at 1.36pm on Johnson Road near Thomas Road.

A third fire started burning east of Darile Street in Hillman, south of Dixon Road about 7.02pm, with firefighters monitoring the area overnight for flare-ups and spot fires.

At its peak 90 firefighters and other emergency services workers battled the Parmelia and Bertram fires, including Main Roads, Western Power and railway workers, while 40 firefighters attended the Hillman blaze.

Although homes in Parmelia were under threat, only two sustained minor damage and the fire was contained by 9.30pm, with firefighters monitoring the area well into the next day in case of flare-ups.

Kwinana Police Station officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Trevor Troy said several members of the public had reported seeing suspicious vehicles and people where the fires had started.

‘‘We know of a group of young adults and a motorbike rider that were seen on the corner of Warner and Challenger avenues and a suspicious vehicle that was seen at the corner of Thomas and Johnson roads,’’ he said.

‘‘It is very apparent arsonists were involved in these fires.

‘‘Members of the public can play a pivotal role in helping us here.

‘‘We urge them to contact Crime Stoppers and remind them that a reward of $50,000 is available to anyone who provides information that leads to the conviction of these offenders.’’

He said while police were attending the Hillman fire, they were given details of an unregistered KTM off-road motorbike being ridden in bushland near the rail link near Milina Street, Hillman.

The rider was observed where the fire took hold and also at Callum Street where it bordered with Dixon Road and was seen leaving the area via laneways in the vicinity.

He is described as 17-20 years old, with light-brown hair and wearing a black top with a white motif.

Two males were also seen leaving the scene on foot where the fire started, heading north along Darile Street.

Police would like to speak to these individuals.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.